John Richard Gray

John R. Gray, age 82 of Shelby Township, died August 24, 2009 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. He was born March 31, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan to parents, John & Margaret Gray. After his graduation from Cass Tech High School in Detroit, John's love for his country, and his patriot's heart, found him enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Pasadena and achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. Upon his return stateside, John went on to continue his education at both the University of Detroit and Wayne State University, where he accrued numerous credentials to include; an Asssociates Degree in Heating & Cooling, Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, and a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. Along with all of these, he also achieved the status of Journeyman Electrician. Following his education, John was employed for many years as a Highway Engineer for Macomb County. John loved to work and enjoyed the people he worked beside. It wasn't uncommon to find him slipping in to work on his time off to simply hang out, even during his vacations. Through his work and life relationships, John enjoyed the comaraderie of sharing together, as evidenced through his memberships in AmVets, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), and the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He was also beloved as one of the ushers at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Warren. John was known as a "lover of life", a great teacher, and always had a joke to tell. If you needed a chuckle, John could always oblige. He was also known for his love of nature, especially when it came to trees. This world has been made a better place through his unselfish acts and hard work in the many trees he has planted. But the most important aspect of nurturing in his life was realized through the care of his family and friends. His legacy is a large and loving one, an example of a life well-lived. Beloved husband of Marguerite "Peggy". Loving father of Sandra (Alfred) Dobrauer, Mary Ann (Gregory) Murphy, Patricia (Neil) White, and Kathleen Gray. Brother of Beverly (Nelson) Lauzon. Devoted grandfather of Erik & Sean Dobrauer, Ashley, Jonathon & Marty (Valerie) Murphy, and Victoria White. Also survived by 4 great-grandchildren; Noah, Alex, Nathan and Savannah. John will lie In State Wednesday, 11:00am at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church until the time of Mass at 11:30am. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3-9pm, with a 3pm ACWC Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. Please share memories of John at his guest book.